On February 27, the world’s largest plane was revealed by Ukrainian officials to have been destroyed by invading Russian forces. Speculation was rife online at whether the plane really had perished. Now, footage has emerged of the remains of the An-225 Mriya, burnt to ashes in its hanger.  

The footage comes from a Russian state TV channel, which was on the ground at Antonov Airport near Kyiv. 

Developed in the 1980s, the Antonov AN-225 Mriya (translating to "dream" or "inspiration") was a Soviet strategic airlift cargo aircraft that held the titles of the largest wingspan and heaviest aircraft ever built. It was viewed as a symbol of freedom in many spheres within Ukraine, as well as having a large following from global aviation enthusiasts. 

Reports began emerging of a large fire in the hangar thought to house the AN-225, and speculation quickly arose over whether the monster aircraft was residing within when fighting broke out at the airfield. Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, tweeted confirmation of the destruction of the plane yesterday, and state defense company Ukroboronprom, which manages Antonov, has since corroborated it.